Trump Urges Iran to Make Nuclear Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Early Wednesday, President Trump called on Iran’s leaders to “get smarter faster” and to agree to end their nuclear program, as the conflict between the U.S. and Tehran extends into its second month.

He remarked, “Iran can’t get its act together. They don’t know how to conclude a nuclear-free agreement.” This was shared on Truth Social, accompanied by a graphic of him in a dark suit and sunglasses, with an AK-47 slung over his shoulder, set against an explosion-filled backdrop.

With the caption, “No more Mr. Nice Guys!” Trump emphasized his firm stance.

The White House expressed its growing frustration with Iran for avoiding talks regarding its nuclear aspirations, insisting that the nation refrain from those discussions until a peace agreement is finalized and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is fully restored.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Fox News, stating, “The nuclear issue is the reason we’re in this situation in the first place.” He explained that Iran’s ambitions extend beyond its borders, mentioning their influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah and support for Hamas. He voiced concern about the implications of a nuclear-armed Iran, predicting that they would pose an even greater threat across the region.

Rubio also referred to the Strait of Hormuz as an “economic nuclear weapon,” highlighting how Iran appears to be boasting about its ability to influence global oil supply by holding significant portions hostage. “Imagine if those same people got nuclear weapons,” he cautioned. “They would hold the whole region hostage.”

Trump’s post came just hours before Army Secretary Pete Hegseth was set to address lawmakers in Capitol Hill for the first time since the commencement of Operation Epic Fury on February 28. Discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2027 military budget, proposing a historic increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion, are expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing war with Iran.